Android 6.0 Marshmallow is here, and now the waiting game is on. “When will my phone get the Marshmallow update?” ask countless Android fans, and for good reason: while phone makers are doing a better job at keeping their devices up to date, the process is still lengthy and opaque. Worse, many models will inevitably be left behind. We’re here to shed some light on the issue.

In this post, which will be updated frequently, we are rounding up all the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update news, so you can get a good picture of what to expect.

Before we start

The release of Android updates for most devices is a complex process, involving Google, chip makers, device makers, and carriers. With so many players, and so many things that could go wrong, you should expect delays, slow rollouts, botched releases, and generally a lot of variation based on your specific model, your region, and your carrier.

Just because your phone or tablet isn’t listed here, it doesn’t mean that it won’t be updated. OEMs occasionally change their minds. In other cases, the lists that they put out are non-final.

Patience is advised.

See also:

Android 6.0 Marshmallow – New features explained

October 9, 2015

Nexus Marshmallow update

Google released the initial Android 6.0 factory images for Nexus devices on October 5. These images can be flashed manually, allowing you to bypass a potentially lengthy wait for the OTA update.

The following Nexus devices are receiving Marshmallow updates:

Nexus 6P

Nexus 5X

Nexus 6

Nexus Player

Nexus 9 LTE

Nexus 9 WiFi

Nexus 5

Nexus 7 2013 WiFi

Nexus 7 2013 Mobile

The Nexus 4, Nexus 7 2012 (either variant), and Nexus 10 will not be updated to Marshmallow.

If you don’t want to wait, it’s relatively easy to flash a factory image following our guide:

You can also manually flash the OTA zip files, which are the update files that would normally be pushed to your device from Google’s servers. Note that in order to correctly install the update, your device must be running the firmware version mentioned in the link.

Android One Marshmallow update

Like Nexus phones, all Android One devices are supposed to receive fast Android updates straight from Google. OTA download files for various Android One phones sold in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Philippines, and Nepal are available below. You will need to be on the LMY48M version of Lollipop in order to install these updates.

Samsung Galaxy A7 (1st gen)

Samsung Galaxy A8

More info

December 4 – Hungary: A Galaxy Note 4 user in Hungary received Android 6.0 Marshmallow on his device. A screenshot gallery and hands-on video of Marshmallow on the Note 4 are available. The most notable feature spotted in this non-final firmware build is the new Air Command from the Note 5, as well as the ability to write on the screen when the phone is sleeping.

An alleged roadmap for the Marshmallow update for Samsung devices leaked out on March 2. While we can’t vouch for its authenticity, the leak claims the Galaxy Note 4, Note Edge will be updated in April, the Galaxy S5 in May, and the Galaxy Alpha in June.

LG Marshmallow update

October 6: According to a leaked T-Mobile update list, besides the LG G4, the LG G3 and G4 Stylo will also receive the update. Besides this, we can speculate that the recently announced V10 and the G Flex 2 will also be making the jump. We’re less optimistic about LG’s mid-rangers, including the Bello, Magna, Leon, and Spirit, though at least some of them can probably handle Marshmallow.

Rollout underway

October 15 – Poland: LG announced it would be the first OEM to roll out Android Marshmallow, with the LG G4 model sold in Poland to be first in line, with models in other “markets in Europe, Asia and the Americas” to follow.

November 4 – South Korea: The LG G4 models sold in South Korea began receiving the Marshmallow update.

November 29 – Europe & Taiwan: the Android 6.0 update reportedly became available in several European countries, via the LG Bridge PC sync software. These regions are: Portugal, Poland, Romania, GErmany, Spain, Turkey, UK, Croatia, Hungary, and Switzerland. The update is also available in Taiwan. Note that not all carrier versions are available. Even if you are not in one of these countries, it’s worth firing up LG Bridge to check for an update manually.

December 18 – US – Sprint: Sprint users of the LG G4 began receiving Marshmallow on December 18.

January 12 – US – US Cellular: Android 6.0 Marshmallow arrived to the LG G4 on US Cellular.

February 2 – Canada – Telus & Rogers: The Marshmallow update hit the G4 sold by Canadian carriers Telus and Rogers.

LG Spirit

LG Leon

Motorola Marshmallow update

Motorola has made a good name for itself in the Android community, thanks to its fast updates and focus on a smooth stock-like user experience. The Marshmallow rollout may change that positive perception though. It’s not that Motorola hasn’t been forthcoming about its plans; it’s the fact that those plans seemingly don’t include either version of the Moto E, the Moto X (2013), or some carrier versions of the Moto X (2014).

On December 9, it was revealed that Motorola would update certain versions of the Moto E (2015). Specifically, the update will roll out to the Snapdragon 410 powered versions in Canada, Latin America, Europe and Asia, excluding China. The US is not on the list where the update will be available.

Here are the Motorola devices officially confirmed to receive Marshmallow:

2015 Moto X Pure Edition (3rd gen)

2015 Moto X Style (3rd gen)

2015 Moto X Play

2015 Moto G (3rd gen)

Moto E (2015) – Snapdragon version

2014 Moto X Pure Edition in the US (2nd gen)

2014 Moto X in Latin America, Europe and Asia (2nd gen)

2014 Moto G and Moto G with 4G LTE (2nd gen)

DROID Turbo

2014 Moto MAXX

2014 Moto Turbo

Nexus 6

Rollout underway

December 2 – International: Motorola announced that Moto X Pure (2015 edition) users in Moto’s feedback program have begun receiving the soak test Android 6.0 update. If all goes to plan, the update should hit the general population in a week from December 2.

December 9 – US – Verizon, AT&T, Sprint & U.S. Cellular: Motorola announced that Marshmallow is rolling out to Moto X Pure users on Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and U.S. Cellular.

December 9 – Latin America: The update is also coming to the Moto X Style in Latin America.

Moto (Droid) Turbo

December 5, 2016: Verizon finally released Marshmallow for the Droid Turbo.

HTC Marshmallow update

HTC has revealed a tentative list of devices that will be updated to Android 6.0:

HTC One M8

HTC One M9+

HTC One E9+

HTC One E9

HTC One ME

HTC One E8

HTC One M8 EYE

HTC Butterfly 3

HTC Desire 826

HTC Desire 820

HTC Desire 816

After the launch of the One A9, HTC announced the unlocked version of the device will receive “every” Android update within 15 days from the time the update hits the Nexus devices. That’s a very bold promise, and hopefully it’s a sign of bigger things to come.

Sony Marshmallow update

Sony has published an exhaustive list of devices it plans to update to Marshmallow, including all the likely candidates, including the latest Xperia Z5 series. Unfortunately, Sony won’t bring Marshmallow to the 2013 Xperia Z1 and Z1 Compact, as well as the older Xperia Z. On the flip side, at least there are a few mid-rangers on the list. Sony has also released AOSP resources and binaries for some of its devices, allowing the community to easily create custom ROMs.

December 15 – Beta: Sony announced the beta program would extend into the new year and that an update will bring Android 6.0.1 to the beta.

February 11 – Beta: Sony announced a new beta program for users of the Xperia Z3, Zperia Z3 Compact, Xperia Z2 in Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. The difference between Concept for Android and Xperia Beta Program is that the latter is a “Quality beta test of official software,” while the former is “Experimental consumer driven software.”

Sony Xperia C5 Ultra

Sony Xperia C4

Huawei Marshmallow update

Huawei has a lousy record when it comes to releasing Android updates for its devices, but perhaps its involvement with the Nexus program will help nudge things along. The company announced in would bring Marshmallow to the following devices:

Honor devices

October 28: The Honor team, which is technically autonomous inside Huawei, recently announced that a beta build of Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the honor 7 will be made available in the following weeks.

ZTE Marshmallow update

Like Huawei, ZTE is known for not caring about Android updates. It remains to be seen if this year will be any different. ZTE is looking for a breakthrough in the Western markets with the Axon line, so perhaps the Chinese giant will deem it necessary to bring Marshmallow to it, at the least.

Rollout underway

OnePlus Marshmallow update

OnePlus is in a tricky place: its first phone, the One, still runs Cyanogen OS, and theoretically, Steve Kondik’s outfit should deliver the Marshmallow update in the following months. The OnePlus 2, meanwhile, runs OnePlus’s own OS, Oxygen, and its development is led by former members of the Paranoid Android team.

November 16: OnePlus announced a timeframe for its devices updates:

The original OnePlus One will get Cyanogen OS 13 (from Cyanogen OS) in Q1 2016.

The semi-official Oxygen OS build for OnePlus One will be updated to Marshmallow when “time allows it.”

The OnePlus 2 will receive the update to the Marshmallow-based Oxygen OS version in Q1 2016.

No information was given about the Marshmallow update for the new OnePlus X.

Missing from the list are the original Zefone 4, 5, and 6, as well as other Asus devices from 2014.

February 27: Asus clarified that the devices from the above list will get Marshmallow from Q2 (April to June). The good news is Asus added two new devices to its update list: ZenFone Selfie and ZenFone Max. The company also specified that the update will see Asus’ own messenging, calendar, and mail app be replaced by Google’s respective apps.

Asus ZenFone 2

Lenovo Marshmallow update

Lenovo finally announced some of its Marshmallow plans on November 6, but the good news ends there. Lenovo only confirmed the update for a handful of devices, and the timeframe for the rollout is painfully long:

Nvidia Marshmallow update

Rollout underway

November 17: Nvidia relaunched the Shield Tablet as the Shield Tablet K1. The revamped model runs Lollipop, just like its predecessor, but Nvidia promised an update to Android 6.0 “in the coming months.”

December 15: Nvidia showed off Android 6.0 Marshmallow running on the Shield Tablet K1. The update could roll out ahead of the holidays.

December 21: The Shield Tablet K1 Marshmallow update would arrive, though the older Shield tablet variant was not included in this rollout.

Micromax & Yu Marshmallow update

Alcatel

Custom (unofficial) Marshmallow ROMs

When Android OEMs let us down, we all look up the developer community to pick up the slack, at least when it comes to Android updates. Unfortunately, the custom ROM scene is not as vibrant as it used to be, with only CyanogenMod left to carry the torch.

November 25: The first official CyanogenMod 13 nightlies went live. Among the devices for which CM13 nightlies are available are the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. Nightlies for Android One devices became available on December 10.

Custom stock Marshmallow ROM are available for the OnePlus One and for the LG G4.

Did you ever think you would be able to purchase a capable smartphone for under $100? Thankfully, as smartphones become evermore commonplace, we’re seeing prices drop dramatically. Sure, a phone that costs $100 or less still comes with a number of sacrifices, but you would be surprised to see how far a Benjamin can go these days.

We have put together a nice list of devices that rank in at under $100, while actually delivering a pretty impressive experience, at least considering the asking price. It’s not a long list, but there are definitely some options to consider here. Got $100 bucks to spend on a phone? You have come to the right place. Let’s make sure you get the most out of every single dollar!

Editor’s note: For December we removed the aging Moto E (2nd gen) and brought on the G4 Play.

ZTE ZMAX Pro

Owning an affordable phone no longer means you’re getting a cheap phone, as you’ll certainly find out if you give the ZTE ZMAX Pro a shot. For just $99 you get a phablet-sized smartphone that includes what was reserved as a premium smartphone feature not too long ago, a fingerprint scanner.

Before jumping in, there are a few things worth mentioning. First of all, this is strictly a MetroPCS exclusive, so you’ll have to settle with that reality if you intend to reap the benefits of its incredible pricing. This is arguably a factor that’ll limit its overall reach, as being confined to one carrier means it won’t get as much face time from consumers. And secondly, there are still some sub-par qualities with it – such as the inaccuracies with the display and over-sharpening effect with its cameras.

Then again, these compromises can be overlooked due to its price point, which again is the focal point here with the ZTE ZMAX Pro. At the end of the day, it’s a worthy recommendation if you’re on a tight budget, and the specs are pretty solid – including a Snapdragon 617 processor with 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, and a 1080p 6-inch display.

Specs

6.0-inch IPS LCD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 367ppi

1.5GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 processor

2GB of RAM

32GB of internal storage, microSD expansion up to 128GB

13MP rear camera, 5MP front camera

Non-removable 3,500mAh battery

Android 6.0 Marshmallow

165.1 x 83.8 x 8.9mm, 175g

Read more

Moto G4 Play

The Moto G series largely began the trend of affordable yet capable smartphones. In the 4th generation, it has branched out into several categories, ranging from sub-$150 on up. The most entry level of these is the G4 Play. While its far from a powerhouse, with pricing as low as $99, you get a solid device that is powered by a Snapdragon 410 processor with 2GB RAM. Other key specs include a 5-inch HD display, an 8MP rear camera, and a removable 2800 mAh battery.

To get the G4 Play (also known as the G Play) for $99, there is a small catch. You have to be a Prime subscriber and there are lockscreen ads. If you want to go add free, the G4 Play will set you back $150, a bit over the $100 mark. Still, this is a solid phone for the price.

Specs

5-inch IPS LCD display with 1280 x 720 resolution, 294ppi

2GHz quad-coreQualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410

1/2GB of RAM

8/16GB of storage, microSD expansion up to 256GB

8MP rear camera, 5MP front camera

Removable Li-Po 2800 mAh battery

Android 6.0.1Marshmallow

4 x 72 x 9.9 mm, 137g

Read more

BLU R1 HD

Feel like even $100 isn’t something you can spare right now? The BLU R1 HD can be had for as little as $50, if you happen to be a Prime subscriber and don’t mind dealing with a few ads on the lockscreen. BLU has a number of decent budget phones, and the BLUE R1 HD is no expect.

This phone gets a lot right, with a solid design and build quality, decent performance, a clean software package, and an unbeatable price point. The camera experience is a bit of a let down, and the ads, if you go for the Prime version, can get annoying, but at this price, these are understandable compromises to make. If you are looking for a good option on a budget, the BLU R1 HD should definitely be considered. Even if you want it without the ads, it’s still priced at just $99.

Specs

5.0-inch IPS LCD display with 1280 x 720 resolution, 294ppi

1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6735 processor

1/2GB of RAM

8/16GB of storage, microSD expansion up to 64GB

8MP rear camera, 5MP front camera

Non-removable 2,500mAh battery

Android 6.0 Marshmallow

143 x 70.7 x 8.5mm, 142g

Read more

BLU Advance 5.0 HD

Want something even cheaper than the R1 HD, but don’t have Prime or don’t want to put up with ads? The BLU Advance 5.0 HD costs only $69.99 and offers dual-SIM capabilities, as well as a good set of specs (considering the price). It also sports an appealing design and a size that will be great for one-handed operation.

It’s incredible to see what $100 can get you, right? Are there any other phones you could recommend for this list? Who is signing up for one of these? Hit the comments to let us know!

]]>http://www.androidauthority.com/best-smartphones-under-100-713793/feed/40Best Android phones with expandable memoryhttp://www.androidauthority.com/best-android-phones-expandable-memory-696913/
http://www.androidauthority.com/best-android-phones-expandable-memory-696913/#commentsWed, 07 Dec 2016 06:00:34 +0000http://www.androidauthority.com/?p=696913A few years ago, smartphones with expandable storage were starting to become a dying breed. It makes sense, too – Google hasn’t included support for microSD expansion in their Nexus handsets for years. Something must have changed, though, because the company included support for adoptable storage in Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

This is making microSD support popular again, and today we are making it easy for you to find a good smartphone with expandable storage. We have created a list of our very favorite phones with microSD support, so let’s get started!

Editor’s note – We will be updating this list as more devices hit the market.

Update, December 2016: This month we removed the Motorola Moto X Pure Edition to make room for the LG V20.

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge

Samsung did a killer job with their 2015 flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. Design-wise, many would say those two phones were close to perfect. The company forwent a plastic design and instead included glass front and back panels with an aluminum frame. They weren’t without their flaws, though. The S6 and S6 Edge didn’t offer expandable storage or removable batteries — two features Samsung has been known to include in all its smartphones for years.

Now the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge have made their way to the masses, and they fix many of the problems the S6 line introduced last year. While they don’t offer removable batteries, Samsung included expandable storage on both handsets in case the 32 GB of on-board storage isn’t enough. Samsung mostly stuck to the same design this time around, though they did shrink down the camera bumps on the back and made the devices a little thicker to make room for larger batteries.

In terms of specs, these are top-of-the-line smartphones. They come with Quad HD Super AMOLED displays, Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processors, 4 GB of RAM, great 12 MP rear-facing cameras and run the latest version of Android. Instead of featuring the same screen sizes this time around though, Samsung kept the S7 at a smaller 5.1 inches, while the S7 Edge has been bumped up to a larger 5.5-inch panel.

Seriously, these are some incredible smartphones. They are a little pricey, but all in all, we think the high asking price is worth it.

LG V20

The V20 is basically the phone for power users. It has a a big Quad HD display, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 820 processor, plenty of RAM and on-board storage, expandable storage up to 256GB, dual 16MP rear-facing cameras, and a removable 3,200mAh battery. Of course, the unique Second Screen makes a return this year, along with the addition of Quad DAC, military standard durability, and it’s already running Android 7.0 Nougat.

If top-of-the-line specs and an impressive feature set is what you’re looking for, you can’t go wrong with the V20.

Moto Z and Moto Z Force (Droid Editions)

Motorola (well, Lenovo actually) is doing something different with their flagship phones this year. Instead of releasing just one flagship under the Moto X moniker, they’ve decided to release two new smartphones that do things a bit out of the ordinary. The Moto Z and Moto Z Force not only bring flagship-level specs, but also support for modules.

These modules, called Moto Mods, attach to the back of both phones via magnets. There are only a few available right now, but they actually bring some handy features to the phones. You can purchase an external battery module, a powerful speaker, and even a projector!

They both have killer specs, too. Both devices come with a 5.5-inch Quad HD AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, plenty of on-board storage, expandable memory, and run Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box. You might be wondering – what’s the difference between these two phones? The standard Moto Z is super thin at only 5.2mm in thickness, but it only comes with a 2600mAh battery. The Moto Z Force is thicker, has a 3500mAh battery, and also has a shatterproof display.

These aren’t the cheapest phones on the market, but they’re certainly some of the best.

ZTE Axon 7

ZTE’s Axon Pro from 2015 was a good phone, but it fell short in a few key areas. It came to market with only one storage option, no expandable memory, and the dual camera setup on the back of the device felt a bit gimmicky. Not only does the company’s latest flagship fix all of those problems, it brings much more to the table.

It has a big 5.5-inch Quad HD AMOLED display, the latest Snapdragon processor, plenty of RAM, multiple storage options, and yes, expandable memory up to 256GB. It also sports some killer front-facing speakers, all-day battery life, a great camera, and a sleek, attractive design. While certain parts of the software could use a little more polish, the ZTE Axon 7 goes toe-to-toe with the best in the Android market. It’s also inexpensive at only $400, making this an even more attractive option for folks looking to score a solid flagship device.

Specs

5.5-inch AMOLED display with 2560 x 1440 resolution, 538ppi

Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor

4/6GB of RAM

64/128GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 256GB

20MP front camera, 8MP rear camera

Non-removable 3250mAh battery

Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow

151.7 x 75 x 7.9mm, 175g

Read more

HTC 10

HTC needed a saving grace this year, and the 10 just may be it. The Taiwanese company finally designed a phone that’s different enough from its predecessor yet still sports a familiar design language. With an all-metal chassis, front-mounted fingerprint sensor and a new-and-improved speaker setup, the HTC 10 easily made its way to our best Android phones list.

Under the hood, the 10 comes with some killer specs. A 5.2-inch Quad HD display, Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB of RAM are in line with most other flagships this year, and it also comes with expandable storage up to 200GB and a 3000mAh battery that will have no problems lasting an entire day on a single charge. HTC also improved the camera this time around, which was a big flaw in last year’s One M9 flagship.

All in all, the HTC 10 is an awesome device. Great specs and a solid build quality are what you’ll get here… what more could you ask for?

LG G5

While the Galaxy S7 series is a minor refresh in terms of design, the LG G5 sees a massive departure from the design language used in the G series, ditching the rear volume/power setup that first debuted with the LG G2. The G5 also adopts a unibody metallic design that has a removable cap for access to the removable battery and a port for modules that allow users to expand the phone’s capabilities by adding a camera grip and other special accessories.

The distinctly different design of the LG G5 may not be for everyone, but there’s little denying that LG has went out of its way to try and innovate in a market where big changes like this aren’t all that common.

Spec wise, we’re looking at a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 with 4 GB RAM, a 5.3-inch display, and 32GB storage with microSD for expansion. The specs here are certainly impressive all across the board. It’s also worth mentioning that LG has revamped its software, making it faster and less bloated. One controversial move with the software, however, is the removal of the app drawer in favor of what LG says is a “simplified experience.”

]]>http://www.androidauthority.com/best-android-phones-expandable-memory-696913/feed/59Best unlocked Android phones (December 2016)http://www.androidauthority.com/best-unlocked-android-phones-581351/
http://www.androidauthority.com/best-unlocked-android-phones-581351/#commentsSun, 04 Dec 2016 19:50:48 +0000http://www.androidauthority.com/?p=581351Now that an increasing amount of smartphone manufacturers are selling their phones at cheaper price points, it’s much easier for consumers to afford an off-contract device rather than purchasing one with a two-year contract. At least in the United States, the way smartphones are priced has changed dramatically, and that’s a good thing.

So, what are the best smartphones out there for those who’d like to forgo the standard contract and buy unlocked? We’re here to take you through the best unlocked Android smartphones for under $250, under $500 and over $500. As always, if you have anything you’d like to suggest, be sure to speak up in the comment section at the bottom of the post.

Editor’s note: We’ll be updating this list regularly as new devices launch. It’s also worth noting that this article is written for a U.S.-centric point of view, though (since they are unlocked) pretty much all of these devices are available outside of the U.S., at least in some capacity.

Update, December 2016: This month we removed the OnePlus X, OnePlus 3, Nexus 6P and LG G5 to make room for the Moto G4 Play and OnePlus 3T.

Best phones under $250

Motorola Moto G4 Plus

Instead of announcing just one Moto G variant this year, Lenovo brought us three different devices – the Moto G4 Plus, Moto G4 and Moto G4 Play.

The highest-end of the bunch is the Moto G4 Plus, and it brings a handful of notable improvements to the Moto G range. It has a big 1080p display, capable processor, expandable storage, and even a fingerprint sensor this time around. While we had a slight problem with the volume/power buttons and the camera in low light, we can honestly say this is one of the best budget offerings in 2016.

Read more

Honor 5X

Huawei has finally announced its plans to break into the US market with the Honor 5X. The Honor 5X was announced a number of months ago, but it was just recently revealed that the dual-SIM budget handset would be coming to the United States for only $200.

Featuring an all-metal build and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, the 5X absolutely comes to market with a few features that we don’t normally see on sub-$200 smartphones. It comes with a big 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 616 processor, 16GB of storage and microSD expansion up to 128GB. It also comes with a 13MP rear camera, a pretty sizable 3000 mAh battery, and runs Huawei’s EMUI atop Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box.

You can buy the Honor 5X from Amazon in Dark Grey, Daybreak Silver or Sunset Gold color options for less than $150.

Read more

Moto G4 Play

Lenovo’s Moto G4 Play enters the market with a low price tag, solid specifications and a familiar design language we’ve all grown to love.

It sports a 5.0-inch HD display, solid Snapdragon 410 processor, 2GB of RAM, and an 8MP rear camera that’s great for snapping the occasional photo. Plus, you get a removable 2800mAh battery, which is a feature many manufacturers have been leaving out of their phones lately.

Read more

Best phones under $500

OnePlus 3T

We weren’t expecting OnePlus to release another new flagship in 2016, but it happened. If you were a fan of the OnePlus 3, you’ll certainly love the OnePlus 3T.

With its powerful Snapdragon 821 processor backed by 6GB of RAM, the 3T absolutely flies through web browsing, gaming and most other everyday tasks. It also has a bigger battery this time around (3,400mAh to be exact), which is more than enough to get you through a full day of use on a single charge. In addition, the 3T now sports 16MP rear and front-facing camera sensors, a dual-SIM card slot, plenty of on-board storage, and a fast front-facing fingerprint sensor on the front.

Basically the OnePlus 3T is a better OnePlus 3, and we’re certainly not complaining. You can buy it from OnePlus’ website in Gunmetal and Soft Gold color options.

Specs

5.5-inch Optic AMOLED display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 401ppi

2.35GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 821

6GB of RAM

64/128GB of on-board storage, no microSD card expansion

16MP rear camera, 16MP front camera

Non-removable 3,400mAh battery

Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow

152.7 x 74.7 x 7.35mm, 158g

Read more

ZTE Axon 7

ZTE’s Axon Pro from 2015 was a good phone, but it fell short in a few key areas. It came to market with only one storage option, no expandable memory, and the dual camera setup on the back of the device felt a bit gimmicky. Not only does the company’s latest flagship fix all of those problems, it brings much more to the table.

It has a big 5.5-inch Quad HD AMOLED display, the latest Snapdragon processor, plenty of RAM, multiple storage options, and yes, expandable memory up to 256GB. It also sports some killer front-facing speakers, all-day battery life, a great camera, and a sleek, attractive design. While certain parts of the software could use a little more polish, the ZTE Axon 7 goes toe-to-toe with the best in the Android market. It’s also inexpensive at only $400, making this an even more attractive option for folks looking to score a solid flagship device.

Under the hood, they sport some killer specs, too. Both devices have an AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 821 processor, 4GB of RAM, plenty of on-board storage and long-lasting batteries. The overall design of these phones may not be the most unique, but they do feel like premium phones through and through.

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge

Samsung did a killer job with their 2015 flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. Design-wise, many would say those two phones were close to perfect. The company forwent a plastic design and instead included glass front and back panels with an aluminum frame. They weren’t without their flaws, though. The S6 and S6 Edge didn’t offer expandable storage or removable batteries — two features Samsung has been known to include in all its smartphones for years.

Now the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge have made their way to the masses, and they fix many of the problems the S6 line introduced last year. While they don’t offer removable batteries, Samsung included expandable storage on both handsets in case the 32GB of on-board storage isn’t enough. Samsung mostly stuck to the same design this time around, though they did shrink down the camera bumps on the back and made the devices a little thicker to make room for larger batteries.

In terms of specs, these are top-of-the-line smartphones. They come with Quad HD Super AMOLED displays, Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processors, 4GB of RAM, great 12MP rear-facing cameras and run the latest version of Android. Instead of featuring the same screen sizes this time around though, Samsung kept the S7 at a smaller 5.1 inches, while the S7 Edge has been bumped up to a larger 5.5-inch panel.

Seriously, these are some incredible smartphones. They are a little pricey, but all in all, we think the high asking price is worth it.

HTC 10

HTC needed a saving grace this year, and the 10 just may be it. The Taiwanese company finally designed a phone that’s different enough from its predecessor yet still sports a familiar design language. With an all-metal chassis, front-mounted fingerprint sensor and a new-and-improved speaker setup, the HTC 10 easily made its way to our best Android phones list.

Under the hood, the 10 comes with some killer specs. A 5.2-inch Quad HD display, Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB of RAM are in line with most other flagships this year, and it also comes with expandable storage up to 200GB and a 3000mAh battery that will have no problems lasting an entire day on a single charge. HTC also improved the camera this time around, which was a big flaw in last year’s One M9 flagship.

All in all, the HTC 10 is an awesome device. Great specs and a solid build quality are what you’ll get here… what more could you ask for?

If you’ve been holding out for the release of a new Moto 360, you may have to wait a longer than expected.

According to a report from The Verge, Moto has confirmed it does not have any plans to release a new smartwatch for the launch of Google’s Android Wear 2.0, which is due out in early 2017. A few months ago, Moto (along with LG and Huawei) confirmed it would not release a new smartwatch in 2016, but the company’s 2017 plans were uncertain at the time.

The company may revisit the market in the future should wrist technologies improve.

The head of global product development at Moto, Shakil Barkat, says the company doesn’t “see enough pull in the market to put [a new smartwatch] out at this time,” and that smartwatches and other wearable devices will not be in Moto’s annual device roadmap. “Wearables do not have broad enough appeal for us to continue to build on it year after year,” Barkat said. “We believe the wrist still has value and there will be a point where they provide value to consumers more than they do today.”

The company may revisit the market in the future should wrist technologies improve.

Related:

The best smartwatches

4 weeks ago

The Android Wear space – and the smartwatch market as a whole, for that matter – has shifted a lot over the past few years. Android Wear certainly started off with a bang, as most launch partners consisted of OEMs that were used to making Android smartphones and tablets. Now we’re seeing more and more classic watchmakers overtake the Android Wear space, like Polar, Michael Kors, Nixon and a few others.

Moto’s smartwatch future may be up in the air for now, but one thing’s for certain – there needs to be some big improvements in the space before the company starts developing another Android Wear device. Back in September, Moto claimed that there are just too many trade-offs in the current smartwatch component space. For instance, while it may be possible to bring cellular connectivity to a watch, there are too many trade-offs involved.

As you may recall, Google recently delayed the official launch of Android Wear 2.0. The company originally said it’d be available for all in the fall of 2016, but now it’s not coming until “early 2017.”

]]>http://www.androidauthority.com/moto-no-android-wear-smartwatch-733452/feed/8Best Android phones for kids (November 2016)http://www.androidauthority.com/best-android-phone-for-kids-682459/
http://www.androidauthority.com/best-android-phone-for-kids-682459/#commentsWed, 30 Nov 2016 06:00:30 +0000http://www.androidauthority.com/?p=682459So, your child is ready for their first smartphone! And that’s great, because there are plenty of cheap smartphones out there, and there’s no shortage of great kid-friendly apps and games. You might be wondering, is there a single best phone for kids? While there aren’t too many notable Android phones out there made specifically for children, we’ve managed to round up some inexpensive options that will be perfect for your child’s first smartphone. Without any further delay, let’s get to it — here are the best phones for kids.

Editor’s note: We will be updating this list regularly as new devices launch.

Update, November 2016: This month we removed the Motorola Moto E (2015) from our list.

BLU R1 HD

By far, the best Android phone you can buy for your child is the BLU R1 HD.

It has a solid design and build quality, a simple software package, and an unbeatable price point. The BLU R1 HD can be yours for as little as $50, if you happen to be an Amazon Prime subscriber and don’t mid dealing with a few ads on the lockscreen. We know not all parents will want to subject their children to advertisements, though, which is why you can buy the ad-free version for just $99.99.

The camera experience is a bit of a let down, and the ads, if you go for the Prime version, can get annoying, but at this price, these are understandable compromises to make. If you are looking for a good option on a budget, the BLU R1 HD should definitely be considered.

Specs

5.0-inch IPS LCD display with 1280 x 720 resolution, 294ppi

1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6735 processor

1/2GB of RAM

8/16GB of storage, microSD expansion up to 64GB

8MP rear camera, 5MP front camera

Non-removable 2,500mAh battery

Android 6.0 Marshmallow

143 x 70.7 x 8.5mm, 142g

Read more

ZTE ZMAX Pro

The ZTE ZMAX Pro is definitely one of the best phones out there for kids. For just $99 you’ll get a big 6.0-inch display, a fingerprint sensor for extra security, a great mid-range processor, and plenty of internal storage. It also comes with a big battery and a great software experience.

There are a few things worth mentioning, though. First of all, to get the phone at this $99 price point, you’ll have to buy through MetroPCS. It’s also available on T-Mobile’s prepaid network for closer to $200 if you don’t mind spending a little extra cash. If you have one of those two carriers and are looking for a cheap smartphone, though, the ZMAX Pro might be your best bet.

Specs

6.0-inch IPS LCD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 367ppi

1.5GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 617 processor

2GB of RAM

32GB of internal storage, microSD expansion up to 128GB

13MP rear camera, 5MP front camera

Non-removable 3,500mAh battery

Android 6.0 Marshmallow

165.1 x 83.8 x 8.9mm, 175g

Read more

Motorola Moto G (2015)

Want something a little more powerful than the Moto E? You should definitely check out Motorola’s mid-range option, the Moto G. With its 5.0-inch display, powerful Snapdragon processor and plenty of on-board storage available, the 2015 Moto G is a lot of smartphone for a little bit of money. It’s perfect for watching educational movies and playing games.

One of the coolest parts about the Moto G is the ability to customize it any way you’d like. Just head on over to MotoMaker.com, and you’ll be able to customize the back, front, and accent colors. This is also one of the cheaper options on our list. You can purchase it either from Amazon or Motorola for around $150.

Read more

BLU Life One X

The BLU Life One X is a newcomer to the budget-friendly space, and it packs quite the punch. It boasts a 5.2-inch Full HD display, a super fast MediaTek MT6753 processor, microSD expansion and a big 2900mAh battery. Not to mention the solid build quality – this device has a real aluminum frame and a plastic back plate that makes it feel durable and premium.

We’d normally expect a device of this stature to go for about $200-$250, but that’s not the case here. You can purchase the BLU Life One X for only $149.99 from Amazon.

Specs

5.2-inch LCD display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 424ppi

1.3GHz octa-core MediaTek MT6753 processor

2GB of RAM

16GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 64GB

13MP rear camera, 5MP front camera

Non-removable 2900mAh battery

Android 5.1 Lollipop

149.5 x 73.6 x 8.6mm, 141g

Read more

If you already have an old Android phone lying around and would rather use that, we’d like to offer some tips and tricks on how to make your Android phone safer for your kids. From creating custom profiles to setting limits on mobile data, our how-to guide will give you a number of ways to help keep your kids from doing anything they shouldn’t be doing.

See also:

How to make your Android device safer for your kids

August 26, 2015

How did you like our list? Is there anything you’d like us to add or remove? Be sure to let us know what you think in the comment section below!

]]>http://www.androidauthority.com/best-android-phone-for-kids-682459/feed/125(Update: 7.1 due December 6) Android Nougat update: when will you get it?http://www.androidauthority.com/android-7-0-update-679175/
http://www.androidauthority.com/android-7-0-update-679175/#commentsSat, 26 Nov 2016 06:00:50 +0000http://www.androidauthority.com/?p=679175

Update, November 26: The official release date for Android 7.1.1 is set for December 6. The second and final Android 7.1 developer preview has now rolled out for supported Nexus devices, which this time includes the Nexus 9. Meanwhile, multiple Nougat betas have been announced while some lucky device owners have already received the official Nougat update.

Google gave itself a couple of months head start on getting Nougat ready by releasing the first beta release on March 9. But it also gave app developers and manufacturers an even earlier look at what to expect from Android 7.0 Nougat and additional time to get the update ball rolling.

When Android 7.0 landed in its final form on August 22, it was actually slightly ahead of schedule. But that now leaves us with the question: when will Nougat hit our devices? The answer to this varies wildly depending on the OEM in question, so head to your OEM section below for our estimated arrival date.

Latest Android Nougat news

Australian carrier Vodafone has revealed the official rollout for the Android 7.1.1 update (at least for Nexus devices) is December 6, with the December 5 security patch included.

On November 22, the second and final Android 7.1 Nougat developer preview rolled out for the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Pixel C and Nexus 9. There was nothing really new in the builds other than “near-final system behaviors and UI”. The public release of Android 7.1 Nougat is due in early December.

As always, you can find factory images and over-the-air (OTA) images on the Android Developers blog:

Android 7.0 Nougat formally arrived on August 22nd. The first official version of Nougat didn’t bring anything notably different from the final Android 7.0 developer preview, although a ton of bugs were squashed in order to bring the most stable experience possible.

Nexus Nougat update situation

While the new Google Pixel phones ran Android 7.1 out of the box – along with several Pixel-only features – Android 7.1 will be coming to supported devices in its final version in “early December”. According to Australia’s Vodafone network, this date is December 6.

The phones getting the Android 7.1 update at that time include the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C and supported Android One devices. Developer preview builds of Android 7.1 began rolling out on October 19 with the final preview arriving on November 22.

As always, the beta program is the easiest method for getting the latest and greatest Android version as quickly as possible via OTA, but you can also flash the factory images if you’re not in the beta program (see links above).

On August 22nd, Android 7.0 OTAs began for the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C and General Mobile 4G (Android One). The Nexus 5 did not join in on the fun, though that’s of little surprise considering Google’s usual device update support patterns. The factory images can be found here.

Android 7.0 update: when will I get it?

Samsung Android 7.0 update

Even though Samsung isn’t exactly speedy when it comes to rolling out Android updates, there’s at least some good news where the Samsung Android 7.0 update is concerned.

The first Galaxy beta Nougat firmware arrived for the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge on November 9 for U.S., UK and South Korean participants, with a second build coming soon. When the final release will arrive we can’t yet say but Samsung has said the program will run until mid-December.

For reference, there was a five-month timeframe between the Android 6.0 launch on September 29, 2015 and the first U.S. update to Marshmallow with the Verizon Galaxy Note 5 on March 3, 2016. Using that as a benchmark, Galaxy owners could easily be waiting until some time in January 2017 for the first Samsung Android 7.0 update.

LG was pretty good with its update speed for Marshmallow too, with less than two months separating the release of Android 6.0 and the first LG handset to receive it (the Sprint LG G4 on December 21, 2015).

In fact, LG was the first OEM to get a carrier-based Marshmallow update out after Google. The LG V10 eventually got the update internationally in early March 2016, after the LG G3 and LG G Stylo already had Marshmallow in the U.S..

However, for those of you not interested in installing a non-final developer version, the official Sony Android 7.0 update has already been confirmed for the Xperia X, XA, XA Ultra, X Performance, XZ, X Compact, Z5, Z5 Compact, Z5 Premium, Z3+ and Z4 Tablet.

The exact date for the first Sony Nougat update is less certain though. If we look at Sony’s efforts with Marshmallow last year, our predictions aren’t very optimistic.

Based on the Xperia Z5 series, Z4 Tablet and Xperia Z3+ all getting the Marshmallow update five months after Google first pushed it out, we wouldn’t expect any Xperias to see Nougat until mid-January 2017. Sony has undergone some pretty serious changes internally in the last year though, so let’s just hope Sony is aiming to up its game with the Nougat rollout.

Best case scenario: 5 months after Android 7.0 release (January 2017)

Motorola Android 7.0 update

For a little while it looked like Motorola had toppled LG as the first OEM to get a new Android version out, but reports of an October 21 release for the Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus in India turned out not to be the case.

Looking at Moto’s past efforts, the Moto X Style got Marshmallow first, on November 12, 2015 and the Moto X Pure Edition got the first U.S. Moto update to Marshmallow on December 7, 2015. Marshmallow arrived from Google on October 5, 2015, but most Moto devices had to wait at least two months to get Marshmallow.

As you may recall, HTC did pretty well with its first update to Marshmallow too. The unlocked Developer Edition HTC One M9 and all variants of the HTC One A9 got the Marshmallow update in December 2015. The HTC 10 arrived in April running Android Marshmallow out of the box and will be the first HTC device to receive Nougat.

Huawei Android 7.0 update

The Huawei Mate 9 arrived recently running Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box. Huawei pulled the same “latest version” rabbit out of its hat with the Mate 8 in November 2015, which ran Marshmallow out of the box just weeks after Google released it.

Meanwhile, a beta preview of Nougat for the Huawei P9 appeared as far back as July, a whole month before Google officially released it for Nexus devices. Update news for the P9 has been suspiciously quiet ever since though, even if the P9 series along with the Nova and Nova Plus are likely to be the first Huawei phones to get updated (as opposed to arriving with Nougat).

As far as honor devices are concerned, last year, the honor 7 Enhanced Edition arrived on December 14, 2015 with Android Marshmallow on board and the honor 5X and honor 7 followed with the Marshmallow update at the end of February. The honor 8 has a Nougat beta available, but we’ve no information on when the official update will arrive.

Nevertheless, OnePlus has promised to get its update game in shape and has combined its software teams to streamline Android updates from here on out. Even if the Nougat update arrives on the last day of 2016, OnePlus will have shaved more than 100 days off its Marshmallow effort.

Best case scenario: 4 months after Google (December 2017)

Xiaomi Android 7.0 update

Xiaomi had a pretty bad case of the hiccups when it came to the Marshmallow update, so it may not be entirely representative to base assumptions about the Xiaomi Android 7.0 update based on its most recent update performance.

As you may remember, despite announcing Marshmallow was in the final stages of testing back in December 2015, it wasn’t until early April that the Mi 4, Mi 3 and Mi Note finally got Android 6.0.

Perhaps learning from this mistake, Xiaomi hasn’t made any Nougat promises this time around, but began looking for Mi 5 Nougat beta testers on November 18. With a Nougat beta starting just now, it will likely be a few months before we see the Xiaomi Nougat update rolling out.

In the worst case scenario, Xiaomi suffers similar problems with Android 7.0 and users won’t see it until six months after Google releases it. In the best case scenario, Xiaomi has a successful public beta and has the update out in December 2016 or January 2017. But no matter when the update comes, we’ll likely see a Xiaomi device launch with Nougat out of the box first.

Android One Android 7.0 update

Android One devices occupy a particular sweet spot when it comes to Android updates. Because they run stock Android, Google handles firmware updates, meaning the Android One Android 7.0 update will always arrive at the same time as it does for Nexus devices with both OTA and flashable factory image options.

OTAs will likely take at least a few weeks or more to reach all Android One devices getting the upgrade, and as always, the factory images will be right around the corner. Note that not all Android One devices make the initial rollout alongside Nexus devices though.

When do you expect your manufacturer and carrier to get Android 7.0 into your hands?

]]>http://www.androidauthority.com/android-7-0-update-679175/feed/315Best dual-SIM Android phones (November 2016)http://www.androidauthority.com/best-dual-sim-android-phones-529470/
http://www.androidauthority.com/best-dual-sim-android-phones-529470/#commentsWed, 23 Nov 2016 16:59:20 +0000http://www.androidauthority.com/?p=529470While many folks can get by with a single-SIM handset, there’s something to be said about the flexibility that is afforded to you when you have a dual-SIM device. A dual-SIM setup allows you to not only potentially have two different phone numbers but you can also have one SIM for data, another SIM for calling and text, and you can more easily travel abroad without having to remove your primary SIM card.

Typically manufacturers do not make dual-SIM versions of all their phones, instead they usually create dual-SIM models for phones that are popular in international markets. Sorted by price, on this page is where you will find our list of the best dual-SIM Android phones currently available. We will keep this list up to date as new phones are released, and as always please share your thoughts on what you think the best dual sim Android phone is.

Editor’s note – We will be updating this list as more devices hit the market.

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge

Samsung did a killer job with their 2015 flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. Design-wise, many would say those two phones were close to perfect. The company forwent a plastic design and instead included glass front and back panels with an aluminum frame. They weren’t without their flaws, though. The S6 and S6 Edge didn’t offer expandable storage or removable batteries — two features Samsung has been known to include in all its smartphones for years.

Now the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge have made their way to the masses, and they fix many of the problems the S6 line introduced last year. While they don’t offer removable batteries, Samsung included expandable storage on both handsets in case the 32GB of on-board storage isn’t enough. Samsung mostly stuck to the same design this time around, though they did shrink down the camera bumps on the back and made the devices a little thicker to make room for larger batteries.

In terms of specs, these are top-of-the-line smartphones. They come with Quad HD Super AMOLED displays, Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processors, 4 GB of RAM, great 12 MP rear-facing cameras and run the latest version of Android. Instead of featuring the same screen sizes this time around though, Samsung kept the S7 at a smaller 5.1 inches, while the S7 Edge has been bumped up to a larger 5.5-inch panel.

Seriously, these are some incredible smartphones. They are a little pricey, but all in all, we think the high asking price is worth it.

OnePlus 3T

We weren’t expecting OnePlus to release another new flagship in 2016, but it happened. If you were a fan of the OnePlus 3, you’ll certainly love the OnePlus 3T.

With its powerful Snapdragon 821 processor backed by 6GB of RAM, the 3T absolutely flies through web browsing, gaming and most other everyday tasks. It also has a bigger battery this time around (3,400mAh to be exact), which is more than enough to get you through a full day of use on a single charge. In addition, the 3T now sports 16MP rear and front-facing camera sensors, a dual-SIM card slot, plenty of on-board storage, and a fast front-facing fingerprint sensor on the front.

Basically the OnePlus 3T is a better OnePlus 3, and we’re certainly not complaining. You can buy it from OnePlus’ website in Gunmetal and Soft Gold color options.

Specs

5.5-inch Optic AMOLED display with 1920 x 1080 resolution, 401ppi

2.35GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 821

6GB of RAM

64/128GB of on-board storage, no microSD card expansion

16MP rear camera, 16MP front camera

Non-removeable 3,400mAh battery

Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow

152.7 x 74.7 x 7.35mm, 158g

Read more

LG G5

While the Galaxy S7 series is a minor refresh in terms of design, the LG G5 sees a massive departure from the design language used in the G series, ditching the rear volume/power setup that first debuted with the LG G2. The G5 also adopts a unibody metallic design that has a removable cap for access to the removable battery and a port for modules that allow users to expand the phone’s capabilities by adding a camera grip and other special accessories.

The distinctly different design of the LG G5 may not be for everyone, but there’s little denying that LG has went out of its way to try and innovate in a market where big changes like this aren’t all that common.

Spec wise, we’re looking at a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 with 4 GB RAM, a 5.3-inch display, and 32 GB storage with microSD for expansion. The specs here are certainly impressive all across the board. It’s also worth mentioning that LG has revamped its software, making it faster and less bloated. One controversial move with the software, however, is the removal of the app drawer in favor of what LG says is a “simplified experience.”

Read more

ZTE Axon 7

ZTE’s Axon Pro from 2015 was a good phone, but it fell short in a few key areas. It came to market with only one storage option, no expandable memory, and the dual camera setup on the back of the device felt a bit gimmicky. Not only does the company’s latest flagship fix all of those problems, it brings much more to the table.

It has a big 5.5-inch Quad HD AMOLED display, the latest Snapdragon processor, plenty of RAM, multiple storage options, and yes, expandable memory up to 256GB. It also sports some killer front-facing speakers, all-day battery life, a great camera, and a sleek, attractive design. While certain parts of the software could use a little more polish, the ZTE Axon 7 goes toe-to-toe with the best in the Android market. It’s also inexpensive at only $400, making this an even more attractive option for folks looking to score a solid flagship device.

Read more

Motorola Moto Z Play

If you’re looking for a smartphone with insane battery life, a good camera and a modular design, Lenovo’s Moto Z Play might be the phone for you.

The standout feature on this phone is its big 3,510mAh battery, which really impressed us in our full review.

One reason why the Moto Z Play has such good battery life is the sensible spec sheet – you get a 5.5-inch Full HD display and a Snapdragon 625 processor, compared to the more power intensive Quad HD/Snapdragon 820 found on the Moto Z and Z Force. You also get 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage space, which is expandable up to 256GB. It won’t yield the best performance, but that’s not really the point of this phone.

It’s not the cheapest phone out there, but it does mow down the competition in certain areas.

Read more

Motorola Moto G4 Plus

Instead of announcing just one Moto G variant this year, Lenovo brought us three different devices – the Moto G4 Plus, Moto G4 and Moto G4 Play.

The highest-end of the bunch is the Moto G4 Plus, and it brings a handful of notable improvements to the Moto G range. It has a big 1080p display, capable processor, expandable storage, and even a fingerprint sensor this time around. While we had a slight problem with the volume/power buttons and the camera in low light, we can honestly say this is one of the best budget offerings in 2016.

Best Android phones

]]>http://www.androidauthority.com/best-dual-sim-android-phones-529470/feed/148Best Verizon Android phones (November 2016)http://www.androidauthority.com/best-verizon-android-phones-564381/
http://www.androidauthority.com/best-verizon-android-phones-564381/#commentsTue, 22 Nov 2016 17:12:40 +0000http://www.androidauthority.com/?p=564381With the largest network and an excellent selection of phones, it is no wonder why Verizon is largely considered to be the “top dog” out of all the major U.S. carriers. For those on Big Red’s network, there are quite a few options to choose from, including major flagships that are universally available on all carriers, as well as handsets specific to Verizon only.

We’ve rounded up the best devices you can get on Verizon’s network. When you make your purchase, keep in mind that Verizon has done away with contract pricing. It’s also worth noting that some of these phones are even cheaper from Amazon, so we’ll try to include the relevant Amazon links if we can find cheaper prices for you. Without any further ado, here are the best Android phones available on Verizon’s network!

Editor’s note – We will be updating this list as more devices hit the market.

Update, November 2016: This month we added the LG V20 to our list and removed the Nexus 6P.

Google Pixel and Pixel XL

Google’s Pixel and Pixel XL are here, and they truly are some amazing smartphones.

Under the hood, they sport some killer specs, too. Both devices have an AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 821 processor, 4GB of RAM, plenty of on-board storage and long-lasting batteries. The overall design of these phones may not be the most unique, but they do feel like premium phones through and through.

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge

Samsung did a killer job with their 2015 flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. Design-wise, many would say those two phones were close to perfect. The company forwent a plastic design and instead included glass front and back panels with an aluminum frame. They weren’t without their flaws, though. The S6 and S6 Edge didn’t offer expandable storage or removable batteries — two features Samsung has been known to include in all its smartphones for years.

Now the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge have made their way to the masses, and they fix many of the problems the S6 line introduced last year. While they don’t offer removable batteries, Samsung included expandable storage on both handsets in case the 32 GB of on-board storage isn’t enough. Samsung mostly stuck to the same design this time around, though they did shrink down the camera bumps on the back and made the devices a little thicker to make room for larger batteries.

In terms of specs, these are top-of-the-line smartphones. They come with Quad HD Super AMOLED displays, Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processors, 4 GB of RAM, great 12 MP rear-facing cameras and run the latest version of Android. Instead of featuring the same screen sizes this time around though, Samsung kept the S7 at a smaller 5.1 inches, while the S7 Edge has been bumped up to a larger 5.5-inch panel.

Seriously, these are some incredible smartphones. They are a little pricey, but all in all, we think the high asking price is worth it.

LG V20

The V20 is basically the phone for power users. It has a a big Quad HD display, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 820 processor, plenty of RAM and on-board storage, dual 16MP rear-facing cameras, and a removable 3,200mAh battery. Of course, the unique Second Screen makes a return this year, along with the addition of Quad DAC, military standard durability, and it’s already running Android 7.0 Nougat.

If top-of-the-line specs and an impressive feature set is what you’re looking for, you can’t go wrong with the V20.

Motorola Moto Z / Moto Z Force (Droid Editions)

Motorola (well, Lenovo actually) is doing something different with their flagship phones this year. Instead of releasing just one flagship under the Moto X moniker, they’ve decided to release two new smartphones that do things a bit out of the ordinary. The Moto Z and Moto Z Force not only bring flagship-level specs, but also support for modules.

These modules, called Moto Mods, attach to the back of both phones via magnets. There are only a few available right now, but they actually bring some handy features to the phones. You can purchase an external battery module, a powerful speaker, and even a projector!

They both have killer specs, too. Both devices come with a 5.5-inch Quad HD AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, plenty of on-board storage, expandable memory, and run Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box. You might be wondering – what’s the difference between these two phones? The standard Moto Z is super thin at only 5.2mm in thickness, but it only comes with a 2600mAh battery. The Moto Z Force is thicker, has a 3500mAh battery, and also has a shatterproof display.

These aren’t the cheapest phones on the market, but they’re certainly some of the best.

HTC 10

HTC needed a saving grace this year, and the 10 just may be it. The Taiwanese company finally designed a phone that’s different enough from its predecessor yet still sports a familiar design language. With an all-metal chassis, front-mounted fingerprint sensor and a new-and-improved speaker setup, the HTC 10 easily made its way to our best Android phones list.

Under the hood, the 10 comes with some killer specs. A 5.2-inch Quad HD display, Snapdragon 820 processor and 4 GB of RAM are in line with most other flagships this year, and it also comes with expandable storage up to 200 GB and a 3000 mAh battery that will have no problems lasting an entire day on a single charge. HTC also improved the camera this time around, which was a big flaw in last year’s One M9 flagship.

All in all, the HTC 10 is an awesome device. Great specs and a solid build quality are what you’ll get here… what more could you ask for?

LG G5

While the Galaxy S7 series is a minor refresh in terms of design, the LG G5 sees a massive departure from the design language used in the G series, ditching the rear volume/power setup that first debuted with the LG G2. The G5 also adopts a unibody metallic design that has a removable cap for access to the removable battery and a port for modules that allow users to expand the phone’s capabilities by adding a camera grip and other special accessories.

The distinctly different design of the LG G5 may not be for everyone, but there’s little denying that LG has went out of its way to try and innovate in a market where big changes like this aren’t all that common.

Spec wise, we’re looking at a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 with 4 GB RAM, a 5.3-inch display, and 32 GB storage with microSD for expansion. The specs here are certainly impressive all across the board. It’s also worth mentioning that LG has revamped its software, making it faster and less bloated. One controversial move with the software, however, is the removal of the app drawer in favor of what LG says is a “simplified experience.”

The Moto 360 Sport is currently on sale at eBay for just $99. The Android Wear smartwatch, which originally went on sale for $299, features an AnyLight hybrid display to help it remain visible both indoors and out, and IP67 certification for dust and water resistance.

The Moto 360 Sport was released last December and in our review, we said that it fell short of being a fitness tracker but excelled at being a smartwatch, with quick charge times, a lightweight construction and good performance.

You can pick up the smartwatch in white or flame orange for 99 bucks from a top-rated eBay seller. There’s no indication of how long the sale will last, though the eBay listing states that only a limited quantity of units are available.